Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 28, 1993 TAG: 9312280052
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Mayor David Bowers, an early opponent of Explore, has proposed that Roanoke look into possible participation in the project.
It's too early to say what the city's relationship might be to the living history park, which has been in the planning for eight years, Bowers said.
But he wants City Manager Bob Herbert and City Council to consider the issue during the city's budget study next spring.
Bowers, in a letter to council members, said the city needs to analyze and examine its relationship with Explore now that the park will open in May.
Rupert Cutler, Explore's director, said Monday he is pleased with Bowers' proposal.
"I hope this is the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between the city and Explore," Cutler said. "It is a great way to begin the new year."
Bowers acknowledged his past opposition to the project. When Explore was proposed, Bowers said, he thought "it was the wrong idea at the wrong place."
But Explore will be a reality, and council must determine whether the city will participate in the project, he said.
"In some form or fashion, there will be an Explore Park," Bowers said. "If this is the case, then I can only wonder what relationship that entity should have with our city government."
Councilman James Harvey said he is not ready to make a commitment to provide funds for Explore Park, however.
If Roanoke County will not make a contribution to Hotel Roanoke and the conference center, Harvey said, he is not interested in doing anything for Explore.
Councilman John Edwards said he believes Explore can be an educational benefit for school children, however, now that it has been refocused and scaled down.
"It will provide an opportunity for children throughout Western Virginia to learn more about history," he said.
If the city becomes involved in Explore, Bowers said, it should deal with the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority - not the private River Foundation.
He said several ideas for city participation in the project have been discussed:
Temporary loan of a member of the city staff to Explore for planning and interpretive work on the park's facilities.
A city donation to Explore, with the possibility of a matching donation from other localities in the Roanoke Valley for tourist facilities in the city on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Improvements to Virginia 116 from downtown Roanoke and Jefferson Street or Elm Avenue/Interstate 581 to the park and eastward to Smith Mountain Lake.
Better signs on the Blue Ridge Parkway directing motorists to attractions in the valley.
An appointed city liaison to the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority.
Cutler said he believes Explore Park can benefit the Hotel Roanoke project and help attract tourists to the city. Explore can be an attraction for people attending conferences and staying overnight in the city, he said.
by CNB